The Toxinology of Calloselasma Rhodostoma (Malayan Pit Viper) Venom

Abstract

Calloselasma rhodostoma (Malayan pit viper) is the commonest cause of snake bite in Malaysia and Thailand. It exhibits very strong thrombin-like enzyme and moderate hemorrhagic activities. The biological constituents of the venom that have been well characterized include thrombin-like enzyme, hemorrhagin, platelet aggregation inducer, disintegrin, antiplatelet protease, α-fibrinogenase and L-amino acid oxidase. The venom can cause local effects such as local swelling, hemorrhage and necrosis as well as systemic bleeding and shock. Systemic bleeding is mainly the result of the hemostatic failure due to the combine effects of thrombocytopenia and defribination syndrome. Specific antivenom is highly effective in treatment of systemic C. rhodostoma venom poisoning.